We're committed to improving infrastructure: Dharam Singh

We're committed to improving infrastructure: Dharam Singh

The Hindu

Rajajinagar, Modi Road-Chord Road underpasses inaugurated

BANGALORE: Chief Minister N Dharam Singh, who inaugurated two major infrastructure projects and laid the foundation stone for the Mathikere railway over-bridge in west Bangalore on Friday, has reiterated that the Government is committed towards providing all infrastructure facilities to Bangalore.

While he formally cut the red tape to inaugurate the Rajajinagar and Modi Road-Chord Road underpasses, he used a remote control to unveil the foundation plaque for the Mathikere over-bridge.

The inauguration of underpasses near Rajajinagar Entrance and Modi Road-Chord Road junction has come as a relief to commuters in west Bangalore who have been enduring chaotic traffic for the past two years, the Chief Minister said.

Pointing out that the Congress-led coalition Government had urged the Centre to give the State the same prominence as given to Mumbai, the Chief Minister said he had also reiterated this demand to the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia during his recent visit.

"Mr Ahluwalia was impressed by the infrastructure projects being carried out by the State Government. We apprised him of various infrastructure proposals and he has promised us he will get more funds allocated for the State in the next plan," the Chief Minister said.

"Though we are doing so much for improving the city's infrastructure, it is unfortunate that some people for their own selfish gains have indulged in a negative propaganda against the Government," he said.

Mathikere bridge

The railway over-bridge in Mathikere will be built at a cost of Rs. 13.60 crores. The 500-metre over-bridge will be taken up on a 50 per cent cost-sharing basis with the Railways. Tenders for the project have been called for and work will be completed within 18 months after the project starts, the Chief Minister said.

Deputy Chief Minister M.P. Prakash and the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President M. Mallikarjun Kharge spoke. Mayor R. Narayanasamy, Deputy Mayor N. Shantakumari, MLAs from the city and top BMP officials were present.

Bangalore Mahanagara Palike Commissioner K. Jothiramalingam said the Rajajinagar underpass has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 14.40 crores. "This is a four-lane bi-directional grade separator at the Rajajinagar Entrance. The Rajajinagar Link Road has been widened so that it is converted into an eight-lane carriageway. This facility will help motorists from Vijaynagar, Basaveshwaranagar and Rajajinagar on their way to the city centre," the Commissioner said.

The Modi Road-Chord Road underpass has come up at the intersection of Chord Road, Modi Hospital Road and Navarang cinema Road.

Built at a cost of Rs. 13.06 crores, this four-lane bi-directional facility will ensure easy flow of traffic from Yeshwanthpur, National Highway 4, Rajajinagar, Basaveshwaranagar, Vijayanagar and neighbouring areas, he added.